Rotary International has announced additional funding for its ‘Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria’ initiative. This initiative, spearheaded by Nigerian and German Rotary members along with the Rotary Action Group for Reproductive, Maternal, and Child Health (RMCH), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, aims to address the pressing healthcare challenges faced by women and children in the country.
The recent grant infusion comes as a supplement to the initial $2 million allocated for the three-year project, which was granted last year. President of Rotary International, Gordon R. McInally, unveiled this development during a briefing with journalists in Abuja, held concurrently with a community health engagement event in the Kuchingoro community. The primary objective of this grant is to slash maternal and neonatal mortality rates in targeted local government areas by an ambitious 25 percent.
McInally, who actively participated in immunizing children against polio at the Primary Healthcare Clinic in Area 2, Abuja, emphasized the significance of the project’s expansion. Currently operational in six out of Nigeria’s 36 states, McInally highlighted the need for increased funding to extend the project’s reach to all states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He disclosed, “At this stage, Rotary has committed $2 million to the project, with an additional close to a million dollars being committed within Nigeria itself.” He expressed optimism about the project’s progress, noting its potential eligibility for further funding from diverse sources.
The National Coordinator of the Rotary Action Group for Reproductive, Maternal, and Child Health (RMCH), Professor Dolapo Lufadeju, underscored the critical importance of institutionalized healthcare practices. Lufadeju highlighted that a staggering 70 percent of maternal deaths in Nigeria occur when pregnant mothers opt for home deliveries, stressing the imperative for expectant mothers to seek professional medical assistance during childbirth.
The ‘Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria’ initiative operates on multiple fronts to address the multifaceted challenges contributing to maternal and infant mortality. Key components of the project include enhancing access to quality maternal and child healthcare services, promoting awareness about the importance of institutionalized childbirth, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure in targeted regions.
One of the cornerstone strategies employed by the initiative is the establishment of maternal and child health clinics equipped with essential medical facilities and staffed by trained healthcare professionals. These clinics serve as vital hubs for prenatal care, safe deliveries, postnatal support, and vaccinations for infants, ensuring comprehensive healthcare coverage for mothers and their newborns.
Furthermore, the initiative places a strong emphasis on community engagement and capacity building. Through extensive outreach programs and educational campaigns, local communities are empowered with knowledge about maternal and child health, contraception, family planning, and nutrition. Community health workers play a pivotal role in disseminating this vital information and providing frontline healthcare services to remote and underserved areas.
In addition to direct healthcare interventions, the initiative collaborates closely with governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders to advocate for policy reforms and resource mobilization in support of maternal and child health initiatives. By fostering partnerships and leveraging collective expertise and resources, the initiative aims to catalyze sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery systems across Nigeria.
The impact of the ‘Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria’ initiative extends beyond reducing mortality rates; it also contributes to broader socio-economic development objectives. By safeguarding the health and well-being of mothers and children, the initiative lays the foundation for thriving communities, enhanced productivity, and a brighter future for generations to come.
As Rotary International reaffirms its commitment to advancing maternal and child health in Nigeria, stakeholders across sectors are urged to join forces in support of this noble cause. By working together, we can achieve tangible progress in overcoming the formidable challenges that persist in ensuring the health and welfare of mothers and children across Nigeria.
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